Alcohol outlet density, levels of drinking and alcohol-related harm in New Zealand: a national study

1Injury Prevention Research Unit, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand

2School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Australia

3Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand

Correspondence to Jennie Connor, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago, PO Box 913, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand;
jennie.connor{at}otago.ac.nz

Accepted 14 September 2010

Published Online First 14 October 2010

Abstract

Background Previous research shows associations of geographical density of alcohol outlets with a range of alcohol-related harms. Socioeconomic
conditions that are associated with both outlet density and alcohol-related outcomes may confound many studies. We examined
the association of outlet density with both consumption and harm throughout New Zealand while controlling for indicators of
area deprivation and individual socioeconomic status (SES).

Methods Individual alcohol consumption and drinking consequences were measured in a 2007 national survey of 18–70 year olds (n=1925).
All alcohol outlets in New Zealand were geocoded. Outlet density was the number of outlets of each type (off-licences (stores
that sell alcoholic beverages for consumption elsewhere), bars, clubs, restaurants) within 1 km of a person's home. We modelled
the association of outlet density with total consumption, binge drinking, risky drinking (above New Zealand guidelines) and
two measures of effects (‘harms’ and ‘troubles’ due to drinking) in the previous year. Logistic regression and zero-inflated
Poisson models were used, adjusting for sex, educational level, a deprivation index (NZDep06) and a rurality index.

Results No statistically significant association was seen between outlet density and either average alcohol consumption or risky
drinking. Density of off-licences was positively associated with binge drinking, and density of all types of outlet was associated
with alcohol-related harm scores, before and after adjustment for SES. Associations of off-licences and clubs with trouble
scores were no longer statistically significant in the adjusted analysis.

Conclusions The positive associations seen between alcohol outlet density and both individual level binge drinking and alcohol-related
problems appear to be independent of individual and neighbourhood SES. Reducing density of alcohol outlets may reduce alcohol-related
harm among those who live nearby.